EXPRESSWAY Agency seeking project sponsor

Eastgate is asking for a 30-day extension for the proposed project.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- A regional planning agency is formally asking the Ohio Department of Transportation not to write off a highway project.
The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments decided Monday to try to keep ODOT interested in the Hubbard Arterial Highway, better known as the Hubbard Expressway.
ODOT's District 4 in Ravenna has decided to relinquish sponsorship of the $75 million project.
The four-lane highway would link Interstate 680 with Interstate 80 in Hubbard Township.
Eastgate is sending a letter to District 4 asking the state agency to extend its Monday sponsorship deadline by 30 days.
If no other community or groups of communities agree to sponsor the project, it will be shut down.
Monday's meeting was the first since Liberty Township Administrator Patrick U. Ungaro has asked Gordon Proctor, ODOT director, to extend the deadline.
Ungaro is a member of ODOT's Transportation State Advisory Council, or TRAC.
The 30-day extension would fall after TRAC holds its next meeting in Toledo in late August.
Lawmakers
In addition to Proctor, copies of Eastgate's letter are being sent to Ohio's two U.S. senators, Mike DeWine and George Voinovich; Gov. Bob Taft; U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th; and Mahoning Valley state representatives.
"I don't think we should leave anyone out," Ungaro, former Youngstown mayor, told representatives of area communities.
"I kind of resent being put in this position. I don't think we're out of line," he added.
A total $2.5 million has already been spent on the project.
John Getchey, Eastgate director, and Kathleen Rodi, the agency's director of transportation, expressed concern that $2.7 million in state funds designated for highway design may be lost.
District 4 is responsible for state highway projects in six counties. Rodi pointed out that the other counties are also vying for state funds for their highway projects.
yovich@vindy.com